Sleep Apnea Masks

Sleep Apnea Masks

Before using a CPAP machine or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure,
you will need to be fitted with a sleep apnea mask. The sleep apnea
mask is attached to to a 6 foot long hose that is connected to the CPAP
machine, which in turn delivers the positve air pressure preventing
apnea. The most popular style sleep apnea mask is the nasal type and
headgear. It is very crucial that the sleep apnea mask is comfortable
while providing an adequate seal. The correct air pressure level cannot
be set unless the fit is adequate. Moreover, a comfortable sleep apnea
mask will make tolerating CPAP treatment more successful. When looking
for a comfortable sleep apnea mask, make sure to see how well it fits
(is the mask too tight, too loose?), the size (make sure you are
properly measured by an experienced professional), and the style, which
is a personal preference that only you can decide (there are nasal, full
face, oral or cannula styles).

In general, the majority of nasal sleep apnea masks are worn over the
out side of your nose (or the nose and mouth, with a full-face mask for
those who have constant mouth breathing) while being heald in place with
adjustable headgear. Headgear that is too loose with cause mask leaks.
Headgear that is too tight can distort the mask cushion and create
leaks as well; any headgear on too tight will cause discomfort. The
headgear tension must be just enough so that it is not too tight and not
too lose while sleeping in all positions. Higher end sleep apnea masks
come with "quick-release clip" style headgear: either clips or a ball
and socket style connection will attach to the straps at the side of the
mask allowing simple use of the mask. Some people will refer to this
style of masks as "set it and forget it". Headgear comes in a variety
of colors, sizes, and materials, but some sleep apnea masks can be used
only with specific headgear (many masks are sold prepackaged with
headgear). If you breathe through your mouth, you may also want to
consider using a chin strap to help keep your mouth closed or a mask
designed for mouth breathers. (If you regularly breathe through your
mouth during the day because of nasal obstruction, a consultation with
an ear-nose-and throat physician may be in order.) Another alternative
is a mask that covers your face completely.

Many masks have a hard plastic body and softer silicone seal that
touches the face and may have varying features. For example, a mask may
include an adjustable pad that rests on the forehead. The mask seal may
inflate once the machine is turned on so the straps do not need to be
as tight. One mask allows its inflatable cushion to expand and contract
during use so that part of the mask may move as the wearer moves
without breaking the seal and leaking. If the sleep apnea mask has a
lower profile and does not sit too high at the nose's bridge, it can
typically accommodate eyeglasses better. One sleep apnea mask, worn
just under the nose, particularly accommodates glasses. Another mask
that works only with a specific headgear has inside the silicone seal a
soft, foam-like type material with memory for facial contours. This
sleep apnea mask also includes a thin plastic piece that glides from
side to side across the mask as the person moves in sleep: this is to
allow the headgear, but not the mask, to move with the user and
alleviates mask leaks. A new mask has an inflatable cushion that lets
the wearer adjust the fit with a pump on the mask and thus prevent
leaks. Some triangular masks have two openings or connection ports so,
when necessary, oxygen can be used with the CPAP machine. If allergic to
silicone, try a mask made from materials like synthetic rubber or
vinyl. Several masks on the market now are made out of gel-like
material. They are intended to mold to each person's face in order to
alleviate pressure points and to be more comfortable. However, because
some of these masks are larger and heavier than traditional types, some
people find them less comfortable. In addition, the Food and Drug
Administration has approved a thin seal, also made of a gel-like
material with wound-healing promotion characteristics as well, that can
be attached to one line of masks. The seal usually lasts two to four
weeks, depending upon care of the seal. Again, it is intended to
alleviate pressure
points and to be more comfortable. (Another seal is made of soft foam.)
A variation of the gel-type masks is one that can be boiled, cooled
slightly, and then pressed against the face in order to fit the
individual. A more recent variation of the gel-type masks, marketed as
one-size-fits-all, has a soft, flexible shell and gel cushion with a
pliable wire molded into the shell that allows the mask to be shaped to
adjust for individual differences.

In addition to the sleep apnea masks described above--the standard mode
of CPAP delivery--an oral mask, designed for mouth breathers, is
available. This delivers the pressurized air through the mouth, and
while it uses no headgear, it requires heated humidification. Because
the sleep apnea mask touches only the skin around the mouth, it can also
accommodate eyeglasses. Not all patients can use this sleep apnea
mask, for example, people who grind their teeth and some people who have
had surgery for sleep apnea.

Nasal pillows are another option. Instead of wearing a triangular mask,
the user inserts into the nostrils two small flexible pieces (shaped
somewhat like mushroom caps) that are attached to a plastic adapter that
is in turn attached to the tubing. However, people with higher
pressures are more likely to experience discomfort with the pillows. The
pillows can also be inserted into headgear made of pliable metal and
plastic which curves over your head and can be adjusted at four points.
The pillows, which do not rest on the nose, upper lip, or cheeks, may
solve the problem of allergies to mask material as well as complaints of
claustrophobia. Some people, especially people with a beard or
moustache, simply prefer nasal pillows to a mask. (While some sleep
apnea masks are made with moustaches and beards in mind, facial hair can
compromise the effectiveness of CPAP masks.) This headgear can now be
used with a triangular-shaped mask.

In addition, there is a new interface that is not a mask but has two
tubes that fit snugly inside the nostrils. It looks like a large nasal
cannula. While a nasal cannula has two smaller tubes that are used to
deliver oxygen, the tubes with this interface must be big enough to
prevent the pressurized air from escaping. No headgear is
necessary--and hence this interface can also accommodate eyeglasses--as
the tubing loops from the nose around the ears. The two tubes join
together near the chest and then, as one tube, attach to the CPAP.
There is also a strap that goes behind the head to keep the tubing
around the ears in place.

Another device that combines two therapies: oral appliances and
pressurized air. Oral appliances, which in these cases are to open the
airway by moving the lower jaw forward, are connected to CPAP tubing so
that the pressurized air is delivered either through the nose (via nasal
pillows) or the mouth (through the appliance). The oral appliance
attachment requires fitting and adjustment by an appropriate dental
practitioner. The oral appliance may also be used alone.

Just as there are several CPAP manufacturers that offer different types
of machines with different features, there are different masks and
headgear styles within manufacturers' lines. The mask may be
manufactured by one company and the CPAP by another. Virtually any mask
will fit the standard air hose (or can be adapted easily), but, as
mentioned, some masks work only with specific headgear, and
auto-titrating machines are typically designed to work only with
specific sleep apnea masks. It is also possible to have sleep apnea
masks custom-made, so ask your doctor, home care company's
representative, or dentist about all options. Varying the style or type
of mask can reduce chronic nose, lip, or facial discomfort caused by
repeated nightly use of the same mask. However, some insurance carriers
resist paying for more than one sleep apnea CPAP mask in a specific
time period (such as six months or a year), so additional masks may be
an out-of-pocket expense for you. Before selecting a sleep apnea mask,
try using it with the CPAP on and under realistic conditions (for
example, lying down moving from side to side). You, the wearer, should
be happy with it. If you have discomfort with any mask, try other ones,
though keep in mind any restrictions on cost and/or provider your
insurance company may impose.

By federal law, in order to purchase a CPAP machine, BiPAP machine,
Auto CPAP machine or heated humidifier a valid prescription from your
physician that is less than one year old is required.​Within 48 hours of placing an order, please fax your prescription to 267-295-8736. *Additional restrictions apply. Please see our policy.